A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Liverpool has raised concerns about the frequent consumption of peanuts by cancer patients. The findings suggest that eating peanuts often might increase the risk of cancer spreading within the body.
The focus of the study is on a protein found in peanuts called Peanut Agglutinin (PNA). When peanuts are consumed, PNA quickly enters the bloodstream. Once in the blood, this protein interacts with the cells that line the blood vessels, known as endothelial cells.
This interaction triggers the production of certain molecules called cytokines, specifically IL-6 and MCP-1. These cytokines are known to play a role in promoting the spread of cancer cells.
The increased production of these cytokines has a significant effect on the endothelial cells. It causes these cells to express more surface molecules that can attract cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream.
As a result, the circulating cancer cells are more likely to stick to the walls of blood vessels, which can increase the likelihood of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
This research builds on an earlier study by the same team, which found that PNA binds to a specific type of sugar chain that is mostly present on pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.
When PNA attaches to this sugar chain, it causes changes in the larger protein structures on the surface of the cancer cells.
These changes expose adhesion molecules, making the cancer cells stickier. This stickiness makes it easier for cancer cells to attach to blood vessels and travel to other organs.
Moreover, this interaction between PNA and cancer cells allows the cancer cells to form small clusters, which can survive longer in the bloodstream.
This is particularly concerning because many types of epithelial cancers, such as those of the breast, colon, and lung, spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
The findings of these studies suggest that while consuming peanuts in normal amounts may not pose a significant risk, heavy or very frequent consumption of peanuts could potentially increase the risk of cancer spreading in patients who already have cancer.
The researchers caution that cancer patients, particularly those who consume peanuts very frequently, might want to consider limiting their intake.
It is important to note that the researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to fully understand the impact of heavy peanut consumption on cancer progression and patient survival.
While the current findings provide important insights, they are not yet conclusive, and further research is necessary to explore this potential risk in greater detail.
The study was led by Dr. Lu-Gang Yu and his team and was published in the journal Carcinogenesis.
Their work highlights the need for cancer patients to be aware of their dietary choices and the potential effects that certain foods, like peanuts, could have on their health.
As research in this area continues, it may lead to more specific dietary recommendations for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
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